Smart card authorization system, apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system, apparatus and method for enabling the operation of a vehicle or other equipment by using a smart card for transmitting an authorization code to the vehicle or the other equipment. Without the authorization code from the smart card the vehicle or other equipment in inoperable.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to devices known as smart cards and,more particularly to an authorization system, apparatus and methodrelated to operating a predetermined number of devices associated withvehicles using smart cards.

2. Description of Related Art

A smart card is a “credit card” sized card that contains electronics.Some cards include a microprocessor and a memory while some cardscontain a battery and others do not. The smart card can be used to storelarge volumes of data. Smart cards are generally tamper-resistanthardware devices and can store private keys and other sensitiveinformation making them ideal for data security applications.Contactless cards, which do not require physical contact between thecard and a device used to read it, wirelessly transact information andthus avoid the problem of wear and tear, a problem that afflictstraditional credit cards. For example, embossed numbers on the front andmagnetic strips on the back of general purpose credit cards suffer fromwear and tear, which can eventually render the card unusable for itsintended purpose. Smart cards may be simple memory cards with hardwiredlogic or may contain a microprocessor. As smart card technologycontinues to evolve, new and specialized versions of it will continue tobe developed. Memory based cards merely store information or values,such as debit or credit information, for example. Microprocessor basedcards, on the other hand, can perform calculations, including complexprocessing and can be used in security applications. Unlike contactlesscards, contact cards rely on a physical electrical contactand readinformation when the card is inserted into a smart card reader.Combination cards can utilize both a contact and a contactless cardreader. Harry Newton, Newton's Telecom Dictionary, Miller Freeman, Inc.,Secaucus, N.J. (1999), p. 721.

The electronic device embedded within the smart card is generally sometype of integrated circuit chip. In addition to the integrated circuit,the smart card can generally be formed with or without a magnetic stripeand can include an electronic contact module for supporting theelectrical contacts to the integrated circuit. The smart card can storeand transact information between the card and various other devices,such as for example, a smart card reader. Furthermore, the smart cardcan provide memory storage as well as computational capability dependingon the particular application. The integrated circuit employed in asmart card can be, for example, a microprocessor with internal memory ora memory chip. At one end of the sophistication scale a smart cardsimply provides memory for storing an identification code while, at theother end of the scale, a smart card provides the computational capacityof a general purpose computer that includes a Central Processing Unit(CPU), Input/Output (I/O) control, Read Only Memory (ROM), Non-VolatileMemory (NVM) and Random Access Memory (RAM). Key applications for smartcards commonly include user identification, transportation, telephone,banking, healthcare, debit purchasing, entertainment, loyalty programs,e-commerce, securing information, telecommuting and networking, campusbadging and access, and many other applications which are limited onlyby the developer's imagination.

As discussed hereinbefore, there are various types of smart cardsdesigned for a specific application. Smart cards also generally includecontact and contactless types. A contact type smart card includes anintegrated circuit that communicates directly by way of a physicalelectrical connection to a reader. The contact type smart card typicallyincludes a gold plated conductive contact module that is provided on afront surface of the smart card. The contact smart card requires theuser to insert the card into a smart card reader. Inside the smart cardreader, the gold plated conductive contact module makes a directphysical electrical connection to electrical contacts provided withinthe reader. Information including commands, data, algorithms and cardstatus stored within the smart card are then transmitted through thephysical connection.

A contactless type smart card includes an integrated circuit thatcommunicates remotely, or wirelessly, by way of an electromagneticinterface when the smart card is placed in proximity of the card reader.The contactiess “proximity” smart card utilizes an internal antenna andan electromagnetic signal for transmitting information between the smartcard and the reader. Accordingly, the contactless card need only beplaced in proximity of the reader, for example within two to threeinches of the reader, in order to get energized and begin a transaction.

Contactless smart cards come in passive and active varieties. Passivecontactless cards are generally non-battery-powered and must derive theenergy to power the integrated circuit from an external electromagneticfield generated by the reader. One drawback of the passive contactlesssmart card is that only a limited amount of power can be transmittedfrom the reader. However, passive contactless smart cards can be madehaving the same thickness as standard sized credit cards because thereis no need to provide a bulky battery within the smart card body. Activecontactless smart cards generally include a battery within the plasticcard body itself in order to provide additional power to thetransmitter. However, because batteries are relatively bulky (i.e., eventhin watch batteries are several times thicker than a standard creditcard), the active contactless cards cannot be made having the samethickness of a credit-card style smart card and are much thicker inorder to accommodate the battery.

There are, however, two additional categories of smart cards that arederived from the contact and contactless family. Namely, these smartcards are combination cards and hybrid cards. Combination cardsgenerally include a single integrated circuit having both a contactmodule and a contactiess interface, either of which can communicatebetween the integrated circuit and the smart card reader. Hybrid cards,on the other hand, include two separate integrated circuits and aresometimes referred to as dual-chip cards. The integrated circuits in ahybrid card include respective contact and contactless interfaces, butthe two integrated circuits are not connected to each other within thesmart card.

Smart cards are also categorized according to the type of integratedcircuit used in the smart card. For example, there are smart cards thatinclude a memory chip and there are smart cards that include either amicroprocessor or a micro-controller. Smart cards having only memorychips are merely storage devices and do not have any computationalcapability. Their function is similar to a floppy disk that can storeanywhere from a few bits to a few thousand bits. For example, memorysmart cards generally store between 103 and 16,000 bits of data. Memorysmart cards are less expensive than microprocessor cards but lack thesophistication of data security, data management and computationalcapabilities.

Alternatively, microprocessor or micro-controller based smart cards aremuch more sophisticated and are capable of managing data stored in itsmemory circuits. For example, these smart cards can edit and otherwisemanipulate the data stored in its memory circuits. The computationalfunctionality of microprocessor-based smart cards also includes theability of managing complex algorithms. Such smart cards are reallyminiature computers that include microprocessors having 8, 16 or 32 bitarchitectures with data storage capacity ranging from 300 bytes to32,000 bytes. However, increased computing power and storage capacitycan be expected with future development and advances in semiconductortechnology.

Contactless proximity smart cards require electrical power in proportionto the amount of data that is to be transmitted from the smart card. Inorder to transmit large amounts of data, active contactless proximitysmart cards have included an internal battery. As discussed above, thedraw back of this approach is that the smart card body must be madelarger than the standard credit card size in order to accommodate thebattery. Standard non-battery contactless smart cards (i.e., passivesmart cards) are incapable of transmitting large amounts of data becausethey receive a limited amount of energy from the electromagnetic signaltransmitted by the card reader. Therefore, there is a need in the art toprovide electrical power from an external power supply other than thecard reader to a non-battery contactless smart card. The additionalpower would facilitate the transmission of large amounts of data.Nevertheless, there is also a need to maintain the physical size of thecontactless proximity card to a standard “credit card” size as specifiedin ISO Standard 7816, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

Furthermore, there is a need in the art to provide a system wherein theoperation of a vehicle, or other kinds of equipment, is controlled byway of an authorization code such that only authorized users can accessthe vehicle and the other kinds of equipment without fumbling with keysor pressing buttons on wireless transmitters. There is also an interestin providing society with the benefits of a more effective way ofpreventing vehicle thefts by restricting the operation of vehicles andother forms of equipment utilizing authorization codes.

Moreover, contact smart cards having chip contact modules on a frontportion of the card body take up valuable surface area that can be usedfor printed material. Therefore, there is a need for a smart cardwherein the entire surface area of the front portion, or top side, ofthe card body can be utilized for personalized graphics, alphanumericsymbols, pictures, art-work and other indicia or printed material on.

Yet, there is still a need in the art for a smart card having an opticalcommunication interface. Therefore, there is a need for providing asmart card using an optical interface for communicating informationbetween the smart card and a reader.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the present invention is directed to asystem, apparatus and method for enabling the operation of an automobileby using a proximity smart card for transmitting an authorization codeto the automobile and preventing the automobile from being operatedunless it receives the proper authorization code from the proximitysmart card.

Accordingly one aspect of the invention provides a system forauthorizing control of at least one device associated with a vehicle andincludes a smart card containing an authorization code associated witheach of the devices; a vehicle having a smart card reader associatedtherewith; and a controller for controlling each of the devices, thecontroller in communication with the smart card reader. In oneembodiment, the system further includes a storage in communication withthe smart card reader. In one embodiment, the smart card is acontactless smart card or a contact smart card or a combination smartcard. In other embodiments, the system includes a controller thatcontrols the devices selected from the group consisting of a starter, alock, a steering mechanism, a radio, an anti-lock breaking system, afuel injection mechanism, an engine speed governor, a transmission, aclutch, a tire air pressure control system and a keyless entry system.Also, the controller can prevent all devices associated with the vehiclefrom operating unless a proper authorization code is provided from thesmart card. Further, the system can use a smart card reader selectedfrom the group consisting of a contactless smart card reader, a contactsmart card reader, a combination smart card reader and a hybrid smartcard reader. The system also can include a memory in communication withthe controller. The authorization code can be modified after apredetermined number of uses and the modified code is stored in thesmart card and in one embodiment the authorization code is modifiedafter each use.

Another aspect of the invention provides a smart card controller forcontrolling one or more devices in a vehicle and includes a smart cardreader; and a processor in communication with the smart card; whereinthe processor controls the operation of the one or more devices inaccordance with an authorization code. In one embodiment the controllerincludes a storage, a memory or both in communication with theprocessor. Further, in one embodiment the controller includes aninterface in communication with the controller and in one embodiment theinterface is adapted for controlling the operation of devices selectedfrom the group consisting of a starter, a lock, a steering mechanism, aradio, an breaking system, a fuel injection mechanism, an engine speedgovernor, a transmission, a clutch, a tire air pressure control systemand a keyless entry system.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of authorizingoperation of one or more devices associated with a vehicle and includeslocating an authorization code to operate the one or more devicesassociated with the vehicle within a predetermined proximity to thevehicle; reading the authorization code; determining whether theauthorization code matches a stored authorization code; and when theauthorization code matches the stored authorization code, providingaccess for controlling the one or more devices authorized. In oneembodiment the method also includes locating a smart card having theauthorization code thereon within the predetermined proximity to thevehicle and in one embodiment providing a smart card includes contactinga contact smart card with a contact smart card reader associated withthe vehicle. In another embodiment the method includes locating acombination smart card in proximity of the vehicle and in one embodimentthe method includes contacting a combination smart card to a contactsmart card reader associated with the vehicle. In yet another embodimentthe method includes providing access for controlling the one or moredevices authorized includes providing access for controlling vehiclefunctions selected from the group consisting of a starting the vehicle,locking the vehicle, steering the vehicle, operating a radio, operatingan anti-lock breaking system, operating a fuel injection mechanism,controlling an engine, shifting a transmission, operating a clutch,operating a tire air pressure control system and operating a keylessentry system.

These and other inventions will be apparent from the detaileddescription hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in conjunction with thefollowing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a non-battery contactless smartcard according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a logic block diagram of anon-battery contactless smart card according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a system for providing power to asmart card according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a contact smart card according tothe present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a combination contactless type andcontact type smart card according to the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a system for enabling the operation of one aspect ofa vehicle using a smart card according to the present invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a logic block diagram of a system for enabling theoperation of a device associated with a vehicle;

FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of an optical smart card readeraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of an optical smart card according tothe present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a flow diagram of a method ofsupplying power to a smart card;

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a flow diagram of a method oftransacting information from a smart card having a contact module on arear portion of a smart card;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a flow diagram of a method ofauthorizing the operation of one or more devices associated with avehicle; and

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a flow diagram of a method oftransacting information in an optical smart card system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that ate relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements of a conventional nature.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally at 10 one embodiment of a passivenon-battery contactless radio frequency (RF) enabled smart card orproximity smart card. The body of the contactless smart card 10 includesa front portion 12 and a rear portion 14 and embedded therebetween arean antenna 16 (or coil) and an integrated circuit 18. The antenna 16 canbe formed using three to five turns of very thin commercially availablewire, for example, or it can be formed using conductive ink. In eithercase, the antenna 16 is connected to an integrated circuit chip 18. In acontactless smart card system both the reader and the smart card have anantenna tuned to the same frequency thereby forming a contactlesswireless communication link. Generally, the contactless smart card 10 ispassive in that it does not include a battery and derives its power froma radio frequency electromagnetic signal transmitted by the smart cardreader. Thus the physical characteristics of the passive contactlesssmart card 10 are essentially the same as a standard sized credit card.On the other hand, active proximity smart cards that include a batteryare made thicker in order to accommodate the battery and thereforedeviate from the standard credit card sizes, especially with respect tothe card's thickness.

The front and rear portions 12, 14 of the smart card 10 are laminated soas to form a single unit and serve to sandwich the antenna 16 and theintegrated circuit 18 therebetween. The body of the smart card isgenerally formed from plastic, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene(ABS) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), for example. The front portion 12 ofthe contactless smart card is generally prepared for receivingpersonalization indicia and graphics thereon. The personalizationindicia and graphics may be provided on the surface of the front portion12 by way of full color printing, using a thermal transfer process, orby a dye sublimation process, for example. The final product generallyincludes a transparent overlay or varnish coating. The rear portion 14of the contactless smart card 10, while it can receive indicia, isgenerally reserved for a magnetic stripe. In general, the front portion12 of the card body as described herein is distinguished from the rearportion 14 of the card body.

The integrated circuit 18 sandwiched within the contactless smart card10 is generally realized using Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)whereby several thousand transistors are combined on a single siliconsubstrate having a relatively small surface area of about a few squaremillimeters. All the circuit components of the integrated circuit 18must fit within these relatively small confines. For example, in oneembodiment, the integrated circuit 18 should not exceed 25 square mm orapproximately 0.04 square inches. One reason for the size limitation isthat the integrated circuit 18 is made from silicon which has theconsistency and fracture characteristics of glass and is particularlyeasy to break. Accordingly, it is desirable for the size of theintegrated circuit 18 to be limited to only about a few squaremillimeters in order to accommodate the inevitable flexure that theplastic contactless smart card 10 may encounter while in use.

The physical size of the smart card 10 is generally about the same as astandard credit card. The exact specifications are provided inInternational Standards Organization (ISO) publication numbers 7810,7816/1 and 7816/2, each of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. Generally the physical size of the smart card 10 is about85.60 mm×53.98 mm×0.80 mm, or about 3.4″×2.1″×0.3″. However, smart cardsize can vary in length between 85.47 mm to 85.72 mm (3.36″ to 3.37″);in width between 53.92 mm to 54.03 mm (2.12″ to 2.13); and in thicknessbetween 0.70 mm and 0.90 mm (0.028″ to 0.035″). Those skilled in the artwill appreciate, however, that the scope of the invention is not limitedto such card sizes as described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally at 11 one embodiment of a logic diagram ofthe contactless smart card 10. In one embodiment, the smart cardintegrated circuit 18 includes a Central Processing Unit 20 (CPU),memory and some form of Input/Output Control logic 28. The memoryportion generally includes a Read Only Memory 22 (ROM), a Non-VolatileMemory 24 (NVM) and a Random Access Memory 26 (RAM). The NVM 24 can bean Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) thatretains its logic state when power to the integrated circuit 18 or theEEPROM itself is removed, for example. Essentially, the contactlesssmart card 10 can include the same functional components as ageneral-purpose computer and is provided in an easy to use credit cardsized plastic package. As described hereinbefore, the contactless smartcard 10 further includes the antenna 16 for exchanging information witha contactless smart card reader.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the smart card 10generally does not include its own clock for driving the internal logic,but rather the clock signal is provided from an interface peripheralsuch as the contactless smart card reader. The clock frequenciesgenerally include 3.579545 MHz and 4.9152 MHz, although the scope of theinvention is not limited thereto. The contactless smart card 10generally can communicate at speeds of about 9600 bits per second.Furthermore, the memory requirements of the contactless smart card 10will vary based on the ultimate application and range from about 128bytes to about 780 bytes of RAM 26, about 4 Kb to about 20 Kb of ROM 22and about 1 Kb to about 16 Kb of NVM 24, for example. The microprocessorarchitecture can be based on 8, 16 or 32 bits. In one embodiment themicroprocessor or CPU 20 can be based on the Motorola 6805 or Intel 8048architectures, for example.

The contactless smart card 10 further includes a conventional powerconverter 30 which can be made part of the integrated circuit 18 eventhough it is shown separately in the logic block diagram 11. The powerconverter 30 converts electromagnetic radiation detected by the antenna16 into electrical power that is useable by the non-battery contactlesssmart card 10. In one embodiment, the power is transferred from thesource using the principle of magnetic induction, for example. In oneembodiment, the frequency of the electromagnetic energy used to energizethe smart card 10 as detected by the antenna 16 is between about 10 MHzto 14 MHz and is preferably about 13.56 MHz. Further, in one embodimentthe same antenna 16 is used for receiving and transmittingelectromagnetic radiation to and from the contactless smart card 10 andthe contactless smart card reader. The frequencies used by each smartcard/card reader system are specific to the manufacturer of the devicesand is generally in the microwave frequency band.

In operation, when the contactless smart card 10 is placed in proximityof the contactless smart card reader, for example within an operatingrange of a few inches from the card reader, it will initiate atransaction and exchange information therebetween. For example, thecontactless smart card 10 can be placed within an operating range ofapproximately zero to five inches of the card reader and preferablybetween approximately zero to two or three inches of the card reader inorder to be energized by the card reader and initiate a wirelesscommunication transaction which can include the exchange of informationcontained within the contactless smart card 10 or contained within thesmart card reader. One advantage provided by the contactless smart cardinterfaces is speed. For example, in using the contactless smart card10, the user can simply wave the contactless smart card 10 within thespecified operating range of the card reader rather than having toinsert and remove the card in the reader, which can slow down theoverall transaction.

Now turning to FIG. 3 where a system for energizing the contactlesssmart card 10 is illustrated generally at 31. The system includes thenon-battery contactless smart card 10 and an external power supply 32,which is other than a power supply provided by the smart card readershown generally at 42. In general, the external power supply 32 asdescribed herein is distinguished from the power supply provided by thesmart card reader 42. Accordingly, in one embodiment the external powersupply 32 includes a battery 34 having a relatively high capacity sothat it will not have to be replaced often, a voltage to frequencyconverter 36, a “first” amplifier 38 and an external power supplyantenna 40. In one embodiment, the power from the battery 34 is switchedON and OFF by the voltage converter 36 at a frequency that will berecognized by the contactless smart card 10. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the voltage converter 36 can take the form of aconventional DC-AC converter or a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO),for example. The voltage converter 36 produces a signal at apredetermined frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) that is then coupled to theexternal power supply antenna 40 either directly or through theamplifier 38. The external power supply antenna 40 then radiates theelectromagnetic energy at the signal frequency. When the contactlesssmart card 10 is placed in proximity, within a predetermined operatingrange (e.g., approximately zero to five inches) of the power supply 32,the smart card antenna 16 detects the radiated energy from the externalpower supply antenna 40. The power converter 30 then converts thedetected energy into a voltage level that can be utilized by theintegrated circuit 18. For example, the integrated circuit 18 canoperate at voltage levels of about 4.75 V to about 5.25 V, although withadvances in semiconductor technology these voltage levels may eventuallydrop to about 3 V.

In one embodiment, the energy supplied by the external power supply 32can be used in conjunction with the contactless smart card reader 42thereby supplementing the energy provided to the contactless smart card10. The contactless smart card reader 42 generally includes a logicportion 44 that provides the appropriate signal to a voltage tofrequency converter 46 similar to the voltage converter used in theexternal power supply 32. The switched power signal is then coupled to acontactless smart card reader antenna 50 directly or through aconventional amplifier 48. As discussed hereinbefore, theelectromagnetic energy is radiated from the antenna 50 at a frequencythat is detected by the smart card antenna 16 and that can be convertedto a useful voltage by the power converter 30 (e.g., 13.56 MHz).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the contactlesssmart card reader 42 can supply only a limited amount of energy forenergizing the contactless smart card 10. Because of this limitation inenergy, the contactless smart card 10 is able to transfer only a limitedamount of information to the contactless smart card reader 42.Therefore, in order to transfer substantially greater amounts ofinformation between the contactless smart card 10 and the contactlesssmart card reader 42 while maintaining the physical size of thecontactless smart card 10 to the standard credit card size, additionalpower is supplied to the smart card 10 from the external power supply32. Such additional energy transferred allows the contactless smart card10 to transfer much more information to the contactless smart cardreader 42. In one embodiment the external power supply 32 according tothe invention begins radiating electromagnetic energy for energizing thecontactless smart card 10 only when it receives a signal from thecontactless smart card reader 42. In one embodiment the external powersupply 32 according to the invention begins to radiate electromagneticenergy for energizing the contactless smart card 10 only when itreceives a signal from the contactless smart card 10.

The physical characteristics of the external power supply 32 can takemany forms. For example, in one embodiment the external power supply 32can be provided within a housing 33 that the smart card user carriesaround. The external power supply 32 then transmits current by way ofmagnetic induction to energize the contactless smart card 10. In oneembodiment the housing 33 can be outfitted with a card retainer such asa clip 35 that provides the added convenience of holding the contactlesssmart card 10. Furthermore, a first switch 37 may be provided in theexternal power supply 32 such that the external power supply 32 functioncan be turned ON and turned OFF by the user in order to save batterylife, for example. Accordingly, the user can enable and disable theexternal power supply 32 by toggling the first switch 37. For example,whenever the user anticipates making a transaction, the user can enablethe external power supply 32 and initiate the radiation of energytherefrom.

In one embodiment, the clip 35 can be a general-purpose clip generallyuse for holding identification cards. In one embodiment the externalpower supply 32 can be provided with a latch 39 that is mechanicallycoupled to the housing 33 for receiving a smart card therein. The latch39 can be provided with a second switch 41 that engages when a smartcard is inserted therein. The second switch 41 can be utilized forenabling and disabling the operation of the external power supply 32whenever it is engaged or disengaged by the contactless smart card 10,for example. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the external power supply32 can be activated automatically upon the insertion of the contactlesssmart card 10 within the latch 39.

In one embodiment, the contactless smart card 10 includes anidentification number. The operation of the external power supply 32 canthen be controlled in accordance with the identification number. Forexample, the external power supply 32 can begin radiatingelectromagnetic energy for energizing the contactless smart card 10whenever the contactless smart card 10 is in proximity of a triggeringdevice and the external power supply 32 receives the appropriateidentification number. A triggering device can be incorporated in abuilding security system. The triggering device can be a circuit thattransmits periodic signals for querying contactless smart cards, thustriggering the smart card to initiate a transmission. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that triggering devices can be incorporated inany smart card reader or device used in conjunction with a smart cardreader. Additionally, in one embodiment, the contactless smart cardreader 42 generates a signal that when detected by the external powersupply 32 causes the external power supply 32 to begin radiating energyfor energizing the contactless smart card 10. In one embodiment, theexternal power supply can detect and decode the incoming identificationnumber by using a second amplifier 43 and a logic circuit 45. The secondamplifier 43 is coupled to the antenna 40 and provides the receivedsignal to the logic circuit 45 that decodes the signal and then, forexample, enables or disables the external power supply 32 by engaging ordisengaging the first switch 37, respectively. In one embodiment, thesystem 31 can be expanded to include the operation of the contactlesssmart card reader 42 such that it also can provide a triggering signalto the external power supply 32. Furthermore, the contactless smart card10 can provide a triggering signal to the external power supply 32 upondetecting a triggering signal from the contactless smart card reader 42and thus trigger the external power supply 32 in order to initiate theradiation of energy for energizing the contactless smart card 10 and,for example, initiate a communication transaction.

The external power supply 32 supplies enough energy to the contactlesssmart card 10 to overcome the disadvantage of the limited datatransmission. Accordingly, the power supplied by the external powersupply can increase, the amount of information transmitted by thecontactless smart card 10. In other words, without the external powersupply 32, the contactless smart card 10 would be limited to the energysupplied by the contactless smart card reader 42 and thus would be ableto handle only a few short bursts of information during any giventransaction. The external power supply 32 also overcomes thedisadvantage of having to provide a battery within the contactless smartcard 10 and thus eliminates the need for a larger (e.g., thicker) smartcard than a standard plastic credit card. In the case of an activecontactless smart card, the external power supply 32 would eliminate theneed for frequent battery replacements.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally at 52 one embodiment of a contact smartcard having a contact module 56 embedded on one side of the rear portion14 of the smart card body. Further, in one embodiment, the contactmodule 56 is provided on the same side as a magnetic stripe 58. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that any smart cards may besupplemented with a magnetic stripe 58 for encoding and storingadditional information. The contact smart card 52 includes a cavity 54that is formed into the plastic on one side of the rear portion 14 ofthe card body. The cavity 54, which may, for example, be formedutilizing conventional milling techniques, provides a seat for theintegrated circuit 18. The integrated circuit 18 is physically bonded tothe contact module 56 utilizing conventional methods. The contact module56 is bonded to the card body by a hot or cold glue process, forexample.

The integrated circuit 18 within the contact smart card 52 communicateswith a contact smart card reader by way of a physical electrical contactthrough the contact module 56. In use, the contact smart card 52 isinserted into the contact smart card reader wherein the contact module56 makes physical contact with an electrical contact within the smartcard reader. Information that can be transferred by way of the contactmodule 56 includes power supply voltage, data, algorithms, commands,card status and other information. For example, the contact module 58may include six contacts that are designed to provide power supplyvoltage to the integrated circuit 18, a ground reference, a reset signalline for initiating the state of the integrated circuit, a clock signalfor driving the logic of the integrated circuit 18 and a high voltagesignal for programming the NVM 24.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally at 60 one embodiment of a combinationpassive contactless and contact smart card. The combination smart card60 provides the contact module 56 on one side of the rear portion 14 ofthe card body. The combination card 60 also includes the contactlesscard antenna 16 for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic energy.Thus, the combination card can communicate wirelessly through acontactless link and also receive radiated energy for energizing theintegrated circuit 18. Alternatively, the combination card 60 can beenergized through the contact module 56 when the card is inserted in acontact smart card reader.

One advantage of one embodiment of the invention is that the contactmodule 56 is provided on one side of the rear portion 14 of the cardbody. Therefore, the entire surface area of the front portion 12 of thecard body is available for personalization indicia, graphics,alphanumeric and any other personalization material that the smart cardprovider or user chooses without being interfered by the contact module56. In one embodiment, the contact module 56 can be placed on the samerear portion 14 of the card body as the magnetic stripe 58, for example.In one embodiment, the rear portion 14 of the card body that includesthe contact module 56 and the magnetic stripe 58 also can include a barcode and other encoding information. Furthermore, one advantage ofplacing the contact module 56 on the same side as the magnetic stripe58, bar code, etc., is that it minimizes user confusion when using thecontact smart card 52, 60.

FIG. 6A illustrates generally at 61 a vehicle authorization systemwhereby an operator or driver of a vehicle 62 is given access to variousdevices associated with the vehicle 62 only if the contactless smartcard 10, contact smart card 52, combination smart card 60, optical smartcard 70 or hybrid smart card 69 generates an appropriate authorizationcode. The hybrid card 69 includes an integrated circuit 18 for thecontactless interface and an integrated circuit for the contact module56, but the two integrated circuits are not connected to each otherwithin the smart card 69. The optical smart card 70 includes aconventional optical transceiver 68B that also can be used in the system61 (see FIGS. 7A-B for additional description of the optical smart cardand associated reader). Upon receiving the appropriate authorizationcode, the driver would gain access to the particular functionauthorized. For example, an authorization code may be stored in thesmart card 10, 52, 60, 69 such that the driver cannot engage the starterand therefore cannot start the operation of the vehicle 62. Theauthorization code stored in the vehicle 62 and in the smart card 10,52, 60, 69, 70 can be modified after a predetermined number uses. Oncemodified, the new authorization code is stored in the vehicle storage 76as well as the smart card memory 22, 24, 26, and preferably the NVM 24.The periodic modification of the authorization code can serve to enhancethe overall security aspect of the vehicle authorization system 61.

It will be appreciated that the contactless smart card 10 may providethe most convenient implementation of the authorization system 61wherein the user merely has to bring the contactless smart card 10 inproximity of the vehicle 62 in order to initiate a transaction. Therebyeliminating the need for keys or any other manually operated keylessentry devices that require the user to press a button or make anelectrical contact, for example. However, the contact smart card 52 andthe combination smart card 60 also can be used without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the authorization function is not limited to enabling thestarter and includes enabling other functions such as the operation ofthe vehicle's locks, access to equipment located within the vehicle 62and the like. For example, the smart card 10, 52, 60, 69 can be used toenable the steering mechanism, the radio, anti-lock breaking system,fuel injection mechanism, engine speed or RPM, the engagement of thetransmission, the engagement of the clutch and any other functions thatcan be controlled with an authorization code. Alternatively, without anauthorization code form the smart card 10, 52, 60, 69 the vehicle 62 canbe rendered completely inoperable. Furthermore, the vehicle 62 can beequipped with a keyless entry system that requires an authorization codefrom any one of the contactless smart card 10, the contact card 52 orthe combination card 60. Moreover, in one embodiment, the contactlesssmart card 10 can receive MP3 files and provide the user with up toseveral hours worth of music. The smart card 10, 52, 60, 69 can be usedto store the MP3 music files and manipulate the files as well.

Now turning to FIG. 6B where a logic block diagram of the system 61 isillustrated generally at 63. The system 63 includes the vehicle 62having a controller 71 therein. In one embodiment of the system 63, thecontroller 71 includes a smart card reader 42, a processor 72 incommunication with the smart card reader 42, a memory 74 incommunication with the processor 72, a storage 76 in communication withthe processor 72 and an interface 78 in communication with the processor72. The smart card reader 42 can be any one of a contactless smart cardreader, a contact smart card reader, a combination smart card reader, ahybrid smart card reader or an optical smart card reader (see opticalsmart card reader 64 at FIG. 7A) without departing from the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the system 63 can receive an authorization codefrom any one of a contactless smart card 10, a contact smart card 52 acombination smart card 60, the optical smart card 70 or the hybrid card69.

When the user of the vehicle 62 provides the proper authorization codeby way of a smart card 10, 52, 60, 69, 70, the controller 71 enables theuser to activate any one of the appropriate devices associated with thevehicle 62. Accordingly, in one embodiment, when the user provides thecontroller 71 with an authorization code by way of a contactless smartcard 10 a contact smart card 52, a combination smart card 60 or anoptical smart card 70 to the smart card reader 42, the processor 72looks up the authorization code in the storage 76 and provides controlaccess to the user only if a match is found. In one embodiment, theprocessor 72 can change the authorization code and store the new valuein the storage 76 as well as in the smart card by way of the smart cardreader 42. Once the processor 72 grants authorization, control of one ormore devices associated with the vehicle is provided through theinterface 78. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theinterface may or may not be required based upon the control inputsavailable in each device. One example of the types of devices that canbe controlled is any one, all or combination of a starter 80, a lock 82,a steering mechanism 84, a radio 86, a brake 88 system including ananti-lock brake system, a fuel injection mechanism 90, an engine speedcontroller 92, a transmission 94, a clutch 96, air pressure 98 and akeyless entry security system 100. However, the invention is notintended to be limited to such devices as other devices capable of beingcontrolled by the controller 71 can be adapted to operate when theproper authorization code is provided to the vehicle 62 by way of asmart card 10, 52, 60, 69, 70.

FIG. 7A illustrates an optical smart card reader embodiment generallydesignated as 64. The optical smart card reader 64 can be used incombination with an optical smart card 70 as illustrated in FIG. 7B forcommunicating with the optical smart card 70 by way of an infraredcommunication link, for example. The information exchange between theoptical reader 64 and the optical smart card 70 is generallybidirectional. The optical smart card reader 64 can be powered by aDirect Current (DC) source 65 or an Alternating Current (AC) source 67.The optical smart card reader 64 includes a logic portion 66 which canbe a microprocessor, fixed logic, programmable logic, field programmablelogic and the like. The logic portion 66 provides the appropriatesignals to an optical transceiver 68A. The optical transceiver 68A isused for receiving and transmitting information over an optical mediumsuch as infrared, for example.

The optical smart card reader 64 also can include a voltage converter46, amplifier 48 and antenna 50 for supplying energy to the opticalsmart card 70. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the opticalsmart card 70 also can be energized by the external source 32 as well asby the optical smart card reader 64. Furthermore, the voltage converter46 can be adapted for converting either the DC source 65 or the ACsource 67 into a signal having the appropriate frequency (e.g., 13.56MHz) for transmitting electromagnetic energy and coupling the energy byway of magnetic induction to the optical smart card 70 equipped withantenna 16 and power converter 30. In one embodiment, the optical smartcard reader 64 is an interface that is an integral component of acomputer screen or a general-purpose computer.

FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of the optical smart 70 card. Theoptical smart card 70 includes an optical transceiver 68B for receivingand transmitting information over an optical link (e.g., an infraredlink). The optical transceiver 68B can be matched with the opticalcharacteristics of the optical transceiver 68A or can be of the sametype. As discussed hereinbefore, the optical smart card 70 also canreceive electromagnetic radiation for energizing the integrated circuit18 and the optical transceiver 68B through the antenna 16.

Referring to both FIGS. 7A and 7B, in one embodiment, the transceiver68B transmits a first optical signal to the transceiver 68A and receivesa second optical signal from the transceiver 68A. Likewise, thetransceiver 68A receives a first optical signal from the transceiver 68Band transmits a second optical signal to the transceiver 68B.Communication is carried out between the optical smart card 70 and theoptical smart card receiver 64 by exchanging a one or more opticalsignals therebetween.

Now turning to FIG. 8, which comprises a flow diagram of a method 110according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment,the method 110 includes a method of supplying power to a smart card 10,60, 70. Accordingly, at block 112, the method 110 includes generating afirst electromagnetic signal having a first frequency. At block 114, themethod 110 includes transmitting the first electromagnetic signal to asmart card 10, 60 tuned to the first frequency. In one embodiment, themethod 110 also includes, at block 116, receiving a secondelectromagnetic signal and, at block 118, enabling the transmission ofthe first electromagnetic signal upon receiving the secondelectromagnetic signal. Still, in a further embodiment at block 119, themethod 110 includes enabling the transmission of the firstelectromagnetic signal upon receiving a signal from a switch contactclosure.

FIG. 9 comprises a flow diagram of a method 120 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method 120includes, at block 122, transmitting a signal to the contact smart card52, 60 by way of a contact module 56 disposed on the rear portion 14 ofthe contact smart card 52, 60, and at block 124, initiatingcommunication between the contact smart card and the contact smart cardreader when the contact smart card is inserted in the contact smart cardreader. Still, in a further embodiment, at block 126, the method 120includes transmitting the signal from the contact smart card reader. Inyet another embodiment, at block 128, the method 120 includestransmitting the signal from an external power supply other than a powersupply within the contact smart card reader.

FIG. 10 comprises a flow diagram of a method 130 according to oneembodiment of the invention is illustrated generally at 130. In oneembodiment, the method 130 includes a method of authorizing operation ofone or more devices associated with a vehicle. At block 132 the methodincludes locating an authorization code to operate the one or moredevices associated with the vehicle within a predetermined proximity ofthe vehicle. At block 135, the method includes reading the authorizationcode. At block 134, the method includes determining whether theauthorization code matches a stored authorization code. At block 136,when the authorization code matches the stored authorization code, themethod includes providing access for controlling the one or moredevices, authorized.

In one embodiment, locating a smart card includes locating a contactlesssmart card 10 having the authorization code thereon within thepredetermined proximity to the vehicle 62. Further, in one embodiment,the method includes locating a combination smart card 60 or opticalsmart card 70 in proximity of the vehicle 62. In another embodiment,locating a smart card includes contacting a contact smart card 52 or acombination smart card 60 in a contact smart card reader associated withthe vehicle 62.

In one embodiment, the method 130, at block 138, includes providingaccess for controlling the one or more devices authorized includesproviding access for controlling vehicle functions selected from thegroup consisting of a starting the vehicle, locking the vehicle,steering the vehicle, operating a radio, operating an anti-lock breakingsystem, operating a fuel injection mechanism, controlling an engine,shifting a transmission, operating a clutch, operating a tire airpressure control system and a operating a keyless entry system.

FIG. 11 comprises a flow diagram of a method 140 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method 140includes transacting information in an optical smart card system. Atblock 142 the method 140 includes transmitting an electromagnetic signalto the optical smart card 70. At block 144, the method 140 includesinitiating communication between the optical smart card 70 and theoptical smart card reader 64 upon the optical smart card 70 receivingthe electromagnetic signal. In one embodiment, as shown at block 146, anelectromagnetic signal can be transmitted from the optical smart cardreader and in another embodiment, as shown at block 148, anelectromagnetic signal can be transmitted from the an external powersupply 32, other than an optical smart card reader power supply.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the variousembodiments of the invention has been presented for the purpose ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the investigation to the precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited notwith the description above but rather by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for authorizing control of at least twodevices associated with a vehicle, comprising: a passive non-batterywireless smart card; a vehicle having a controller for communicatingwith the passive non-battery wireless smart card and each of thedevices, wherein the controller includes: a wireless smart card reader,wherein the wireless smart card reader is for receiving an authorizationcode wirelessly transferred from the passive non-battery wireless smartcard via radiated electromagnetic energy; and a processor forcontrolling each of the devices, wherein at least one of the devices isnot associated with a starting mechanism; and a power supply forenergizing the passive non-battery wireless smart card by radiatingelectromagnetic energy from the power supply to the passive non-batterywireless smart card, wherein the power supply is external to the passivenon-battery wireless smart card and is other than a power supplyprovided in the wireless smart card reader located in the vehicle. 2.The system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage incommunication with the smart card reader.
 3. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the smart card is a contactless radio frequency smartcard.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart card is acontactless infrared smart card.
 5. The system according to claim 1,wherein the smart card is a combination smart card.
 6. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the devicesselected from the group consisting of a starter, a lock, a steeringmechanism, a radio, an anti-lock breaking system, a fuel injectionmechanism, an engine speed governor, a transmission, a clutch, a tireair pressure control system and a keyless entry system.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller prevents all devicesassociated with the vehicle from operating unless a proper authorizationcode is provided from the smart card.
 8. The system according to claim1, wherein the smart card reader is selected from the group consistingof a contactless smart card reader, a contact smart card reader, acombination smart card reader and a hybrid smart card reader.
 9. Thesystem according to claim 1, further comprising a memory incommunication with the controller.
 10. The system according to claim 1,wherein the authorization code is modified after a predetermined numberof uses and the modified code is stored in the smart card.
 11. Thesystem according to claim 10, wherein the authorization code is modifiedafter each use.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless smartcard reader transmits a signal to the power supply and in responsethereto the power supply radiates the electromagnetic energy forenergizing the passive non-battery wireless smart card when the smartcart is located in proximity to the vehicle.
 13. A wireless smart cardcontroller for controlling at least two devices associated with avehicle, comprising: a wireless smart card reader, for receiving anauthorization code wirelessly transferred from a passive non-batterywireless smart card via radiated electromagnetic energy; wherein thepassive non-battery wireless smart card is energized by a power supplyby radiating electromagnetic energy from the power supply to the passivenon-battery wireless smart card upon the power supply receiving a signalfrom the passive non-battery wireless smart card reader; and wherein thepower supply is external to the passive non-battery wireless smart cardand is other than a power supply provided in the wireless smart cardreader located in the vehicle; and a processor in communication with thewireless smart card reader, wherein the processor controls the operationof the devices in accordance with the authorization code, and wherein atleast one of the devices is not associated with a starting mechanism.14. The wireless smart card controller according to claim 13, furthercomprising a storage in communication with the processor.
 15. Thewireless smart card controller according to claim 13, further comprisinga memory in communication with the processor.
 16. The wireless smartcard controller according to claim 13, further comprising an interfacein communication with the processor.
 17. The wireless smart cardcontroller according to claim 16, wherein the interface is adapted forcontrolling the operation of devices selected from the group consistingof a starter, a lock, a steering mechanism, a radio, a braking system, afuel injection mechanism, an engine speed governor, a transmission, aclutch, a tire air pressure control system and a keyless entry system.18. The smart card controller of claim 13, wherein the wireless smartcard reader transmits a signal to the power supply and in responsethereto the power supply radiates the electromagnetic energy forenergizing the passive non-battery wireless smart card when the smartcart is located in proximity to the vehicle.
 19. A method of authorizingoperation of at least two devices associated with a vehicle, comprising:energizing a passive non-battery wireless smart card from a power supplyby radiating electromagnetic energy from the power supply to the passivenon-battery wireless smart card, wherein the power supply is external tothe passive non-battery wireless smart card and is other than a powersupply provided in the wireless smart card reader located in thevehicle; locating an authorization code to operate the devicesassociated with the vehicle within a predetermined proximity to thevehicle; wirelessly transferring the authorization code from a thepassive non-battery wireless smart card containing the authorizationcode to a wireless smart card reader; reading the authorization code;determining whether the authorization code matches a storedauthorization code; and when the authorization code matches the storedauthorization code, providing access for controlling the devicesauthorized, wherein at least one of the devices is not associated with astarting mechanism.
 20. The method according to claim 19, whereinlocating an authorization code comprises locating a radio frequencysmart card within the predetermined proximity to the vehicle.
 21. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein locating an authorization codecomprises locating an infrared smart card within the predeterminedproximity to the vehicle.
 22. The method according to claim 19, whereinlocating an authorization code comprises locating a combination smartcard within the predetermined proximity of the vehicle.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 22, wherein locating an authorization code comprisescontacting a combination smart card with a contact smart card readerassociated with the vehicle.
 24. The method according to claim 19,wherein providing access for controlling the one or more devicesauthorized includes providing access for controlling vehicle functionsselected from the group consisting of a starting the vehicle, lockingthe vehicle, steering the vehicle, operating a radio, operating ananti-lock breaking system, operating a fuel injection mechanism,controlling an engine, shifting a transmission, operating a clutch,operating a tire air pressure control system and operating a keylessentry system.
 25. The method of claim 19, further comprisingtransmitting a signal to the power supply from the wireless smart cardreader and in response thereto radiating the electromagnetic energy fromthe power supply for energizing the passive non-battery wireless smartcard when the smart cart is located in proximity to the vehicle.